Acne Remedies for Adults and TeenagersAcne Remedies for Adults and Teenagers

Waking up with an unwelcome pimple is an annoying way to start your day. Acne can happen to anyone, and its causes are many and varied. Because acne is so common and often challenging to treat, it has triggered an abundance of remedy advice from home cures to prescription medications. However, more and more people are avoiding pharmaceuticals and chemicals and embracing natural remedies.

To discover how effective natural treatments can be, one only needs to look at the science behind it. Here, we list some of the most commonly-used natural acne treatments.

  • Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a widely recognized natural pimple fix. It is effective against acne due to its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. It can reduce redness and irritation significantly, kill off acne-causing bacteria, and help to unclog pores. It is very potent, however, so acne sufferers should avoid putting the full-strength oil directly on the skin to prevent irritation.

  • Charcoal 

Another natural ingredient used in traditional acne healing methods is charcoal. Charcoal purifies and detoxifies, and is also highly absorbent drawing out toxins from the pores and absorbing oils.

  • Kaolin and Bentonite Clay 
  • Different types of clay have been used as natural acne remedies since ancient times. Kaolin and bentonite clay detoxify the skin, drawing the toxins and oils from the pores and absorbing excess oil. Many have antibacterial properties as well.

  • Green Tea 
  • Green tea is a versatile remedy which has shown significant benefits for skin conditions. Research suggests that it can significantly reduce the skin’s oil production. Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties have demonstrated effectiveness against mild to moderate acne.

  • Licorice
  • You may recognize licorice as candy. However, it has medicinal uses that date back for centuries. Licorice root extract has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, so it can stop infections from spreading. It is also a powerful anti-androgenic compound which can decrease testosterone levels, leading to a reduction in sebaceous gland activity. For men who don’t wish to reduce testosterone levels, licorice extract can be used topically.

  • Witch Hazel 
  • Witch hazel is a plant whose leaves and bark contain up to 10 percent tannins. Tannins are organic compounds that have an astringent-like action, drying out pimples and refining pores. It also has soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects, reducing acne infection, and eliminating redness.

  • Sulfur-containing foods 
  • Sulfur is a mineral that is antibacterial, antifungal, and has drying properties. It is one of the top ingredients often used for treating skin disorders and acne. It’s an excellent agent for reducing redness and inflammation and killing certain acne-causing bacteria.

  • Willow Bark 
  • Willow bark is a natural source of salicylic acid, which can dry up inflamed acne lesions, exfoliate the skin, and unclog the pores. It can help to remove oil from greasy, acne-prone skin, and tighten pores. Willow bark extracts can also increase antioxidant action and reduce oxidative stress.

    Your skin thrives on a healthy diet of vegetables and low-glycemic fresh fruit, whole grains free from yeast, eggs, and white meat chicken or fish. For more information on natural remedies and dietary advice for acne, schedule a consultation with a skin treatment professional in your local area.